By Steve Waldron
Schoolcraft village will reapply for a state grant next year to offset costs of replacing lead and copper water service lines as mandated by the state, Village Manager Cheri Lutz said at an August council meeting.
The topic, for months a sore point for village officials, was raised by a resident at the meeting. The resident noted that Vicksburg had been awarded a state grant for similar work.
The village had applied for the grant. As discussed and reported at several meetings, it received nothing. It met with county and state officials without success.
Lutz said the village has been more active in contacting state representatives to ensure that they understand the village’s need for assistance in funding the state requirement.
The same resident thanked the village Department of Public Works for its monthly collection of brush.
And three other residents spoke in support of allowing golf carts to operate on village streets. The Council had asked the chief of police if the village should adopt a policy regarding operation of golf carts. They learned the state doesn’t regulate carts on public roads, leaving it up to local jurisdictions. The council has made no decisions about the matter.
The Council granted a request by a village resident to hold an annual street party in September for residents located on West Street.
Trustee Kathy Mastenbrook said members of the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority were told that requests for proposals for ambulance services have been sent to providers from the Kalamazoo Valley Intergovernmental Ambulance Agreement.
The city of Kalamazoo’s Financial Department is handling the request and review of the proposals on behalf of those involved in the ambulance agreement.
